Marlins

Marlins Loss Sends Braves To Playoffs

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 25: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves hits a 9th inning walk off home run against the Miami Marlins at Turner Field on September 25 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

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ATLANTA (CBSMiami/AP) – The Miami Marlins were on the field when a team qualified for the playoffs Tuesday, but it was the Atlanta Braves. Thanks to a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning by Freddie Freeman, the Braves are once against back in the playoffs.

Freeman’s shot came off Mike Dunn and clenched the Braves at leas ta National League wild-card berth.

Craig Kimbrel (3-1) worked a scoreless inning to help the Braves win their 22nd straight game started by Kris Medlen. The streak is the longest in the majors since the New York Yankees won 22 consecutive games started by Whitey Ford in 1950 and ’53.

Returning to the postseason helps wipe away some of last season’s frustration for the Braves, who blew an 8½-game lead in the wild-card standings and finished September 9-18. They missed the playoffs after one of the biggest collapses in baseball history.

This year, Atlanta cruised most of the way and wrapped up a postseason spot with more than a week to spare. And the Braves still have a chance to catch first-place Washington in the NL East. They moved within four games of the Nationals, who lost to Philadelphia 6-3, with eight to play.

“We are shooting for the stars,” Jones said. “It makes it all worth it. I’m happier for these guys because they worked hard.”

While he was being interviewed on television, the 40-year-old slugger was doused with bubbly and beer by teammates in a jubilant clubhouse.

“I am so cold right now!” he said.

Four of the five NL playoff spots are secured. In addition to Atlanta, Washington, Cincinnati and San Francisco have all punched their tickets to the postseason.

The second-place Braves have a comfortable cushion in the wild-card race, and St. Louis leads the chase for the league’s second wild card.